Editorial: Wisconsin remains proudly independent

Could such a place exist where voters carefully study the facts, weigh the positions and make informed decisions about the best candidates to support? In the wake of Wisconsin's apparently contradictory choices in Tuesday's election, that is one possibility few "experts" have seriously contemplated.

On one hand, Wisconsin voters gave Democratic President Barack Obama a comfortable, if less padded than four-years ago, margin of victory and elected the nation's first openly gay senator, sending a popular, four-term governor packing. On the other, they handed back the state senate to Republicans, giving Gov. Scott and allies control of the executive and legislative branches.

Is Wisconsin confused? Misguided? Schizophrenic?

None of the above.

After more than two non-stop years of regular elections, recall elections and campaigning, Wisconsin voters were in a unique position to make judgments about the strengths and weaknesses of both political parties and vote accordingly. They also had access to unusually rich and diverse information about policies as well as a first-hand opportunity to witness, perhaps even partake-in, impromptu debates and discussions about the issues.

In short, Wisconsin was prepared for this election unlike any other battleground state in this country. The results provide a snapshot into the mind of the electorate that deserves reflection, including:

Religion, race and sexual orientation are increasingly non-factors. Save for some inappropriate comments from extreme groups, voters in Wisconsin spent little to no time worrying about the president's birth certificate or Tammy Baldwin's personal lifestyle choices.This is an encouraging take-away from an otherwise negative campaign.

Wisconsin is serious about fixing structural fiscal problems that have plagued the state for more than a decade. Republicans maintained their momentum on this question, leaving Democrats with little to offer beyond some vague platitudes about creating jobs and balancing the budget. With courts striking down the most over-reaching and egregiously ideological, components of Act 10, voters saw fit to allow Walker two more years to give his approach a chance.

Wisconsinites are not hung up on party labels or ideology. No single political party can claim a mandate for anything but the difficult work of forging common sense solutions to difficult problems. Voters have quashed single party overreaches again and again. Wisconsin remains proudly and passionately independent and open-minded.

For a short-time, voters have earned a break from endlessly negative ads and politicking. Still, our hope is that Wisconsinites maintain their engagement with the issues and keep a close watch on their elected officials. That would be the best outcome of all.

The Final Thought: Wisconsin remains a fiercely independent state not overly preoccupied with political party labels.

ServingOshkosh Wisconsin

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Editorial: Wisconsin remains proudly independent

Could such a place exist where voters carefully study the facts, weigh the positions and make informed decisions about the best candidates to support? In the wake of Wisconsin's apparently